General Public Assistance Program
What is General Public Assistance & Who Is Eligible ?
The RI Department of Human Services (DHS) General Public Assistance Program (GPA) provides assistance with some prescription medications and physician office visits. If you are 18 years old or older, have an illness, injury or medical condition, which is expected to last at least 30 days and prevents you from working, you may be eligible for our GPA Program. Eligibility is also based on your income and resources. For example, to be eligible you must have a monthly income of $327 or less, resources of less than $400 and an automobile with an equity value of less than $1500. You must also be a Rhode Island resident and not be eligible for any other federal assistance program.
What Medical Benefits Are Available to You ?
If you are eligible for GPA and need medications, the DHS will provide for some generic prescription medications. A list of the types of generic prescription medications that are covered under GPA is on the back of this sheet. All GPA recipients are also eligible for physician office visits.
What Other Assistance Does GPA Provide ?
The GPA Program also provides cash assistance through the Hardship Fund and the Bridge Fund. If you are accepted into the GPA Program and have a special financial hardship you may apply for cash assistance through the Hardship Fund. Assistance received through this fund is done so on a limited basis and the dollar amount provided, if you are eligible, is currently set at $200 per month. You may also apply for additional assistance through the Bridge Fund if you are approved for GPA, maintain an active application for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and have been accepted for Title 19 federal medical assistance. The Bridge Fund will provide you with ongoing cash assistance, also in the amount of $200 per month, until such time as you are accepted to receive SSI benefits or your application and appeal rights are exhausted.
The GPA Program also provides burial services for indigent persons who are without resources.
Where Do I Apply for GPA or Call if I Have Questions ?
If you are interested in the DHS General Public Assistance Program you may apply for benefits at one of the following DHS offices closest to your home. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you have questions about GPA, feel free to call one of the offices as well.
Providence Regional Family Center
206 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
(401) 222-7080Pawtucket Office
24 Commerce Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 729-5400
Warwick Office
100 Meadow Street
Warwick, RI 02889
(401) 739-9530
Woonsocket Office
450 Clinton Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 235-6300
1-800-510-6988
Newport Office
110 Enterprise Center
Middletown, RI 02842
(401) 849-6000
1-800-675-9397
GPA Covered Prescription Medications
The GPA Program covers the following prescription medications. Over-the-counter products within these categories, with the exception of insulin, are not covered.
All anti-anxiety agents All respiratory/asthma agents (including oral inhalers) All non-steroidal anti–inflammatory agents (NSAID) All topical steroid agents All anti-depressant agents All anti-fungal creams All anti-psychotic agents All anti-Parkinson agents All anti-hypertensive agents All glaucoma agents All cardiovascular agents All anti-biotic/anti-fungal agents(oral only) All anti-diabetic agents (including glucose testing machines, strips, syringes, lancets) All uricosuric agents All anti-ulcer agents All anti-thrombolytic agents All cholesterol-lowering agents
All sedative/hypnotic agentsInterferon (prior authorization required) All thyroid agents All anti-convulsant agents All muscle relaxant agents All analgesic agents All hormone replacement agents Please note: Multi-source products will be reimbursed at the FUL and/or generic pricing level. There is no brand-name override.
